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IF Testing and Treatment 12/4

This is a place for those of us who have already started TTC but have started infertility testing and/or treatments. You can express your thoughts, feelings, and frustrations on infertility. TTC can be a long journey naturally, then add in the difficulties associated with infertility and it becomes a whole new ball game. The road to infertility can be lonely, frustrating, and complicated, so let's make this a place where we can vent, ask questions, and support one another. Feel free to resurrect this thread at any point in the week if you have something to say. Treat this like an ongoing conversation.

Re: IF Testing and Treatment 12/4

How are things going? I had another ultrasound and they are thinking they are gonna cancel my IVF cycle. I have 3 that are 19, 19 and 20, and then 2 more that are 12 and thats it. My doctor is gonna call me and discuss if we should move forward with just 3, but I am DEVASTATED. I mean, ugly crying at the REs office, now ugly crying at work...once my first morning appt is over I am gonna try to leave because I cannot today. What the eff happened? I am 30. My AMH is 2.08. Why the eff do I only have 3? And of course now I will have to do IVF in 2018 and HELLO new deductible. I feel like my soul is dying.

Any questions?

GTKY: What is one of your big (non- TTC related) fears?

Heights. I cannot even go on a ladder higher than 3 steps without shaking.

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Clomid to help the open side out a bit.

How are things going? I am having all the negative side effects that can come with clomid. Including some that hardly anyone has. I'll be asking for a different med next cycle. I cannot handle six months of this, which was our original plan.

Any questions? No

GTKY: I am irrationally terrified of cockroaches. I cringed just typing their name. Blech.

@kiwi2628 *hugs* I am so sorry. I'm sure this is devastating. If you've already reached your deductible for 2017, why wouldn't you go ahead and get those three? I know it's not what you were hoping for but three are better than none. Hope you're able to take the rest of the day off so you can take care of you!

@kiwi2628 I'm so sorry friend. You deserve to go home, drink all the wine, eat all the ice cream and snuggle your animals. Please take care of yourself and you know we're here for you! All of the hugs!!

Diagnosis (If you've been): hyperprolactinemia, DOR

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): O-ish, I think

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Still NTNP but did use OPKs this weekend and had a positive yesterday so O was either yesterday or today. We'll start actively TTC next cycle and I've decided that I'm not going to start temping again. I'll use OPKs and track CM and CP and that should give me a good idea of O and I think it will (hopefully) help me not obsess quite as much

How are things going? I've been feeling hopeful for the first time in a long time the past couple weeks, although while out with my mom last night, she told me that it'll happen. I had to remind her that she can't guarantee that.

Also, I had my prolactin retested at the request of the REs office and it went down again! I'm not sure if it's the healthier lifestyle or something else but it made me so happy to see that number continue to go down, even though I was safely in the normal zone last time!

Any questions? What are some good phthalate free shampoo/conditioner and body wash you all have found that works well? I've found a couple options but it's hard to find something with a reliable number of reviews

GTKY: What is one of your big (non- TTC related) fears? my biggest fear is death, I realize it's going to happen when it's going to happen and there's nothing I can do about it

@kiwi2628 I'm so sorry! You have every right to be devastated. I hope you can go home ASAP. You deserve a day lounging in your most comfy pants with lots of ice cream.

@SkilledSailor I'm sorry about the side effects. FX they can put you on something else next cycle.

Diagnosis (If you've been): TBD

Cycle/CD: 15/25

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW - 7dpo

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Just waiting for my FU on Wednesday

How are things going? Aggravated, between Thanksgiving, girls weekend, and the progesterone supplements I've gained a few pounds back. I was really hoping to be able to tell my doctor that I have lost 25 lbs. I know over 20 lbs is still really good, it's just not what I wanted. I also hate feeling like I'm working my a-- off to lose weight that I already lost.

Any questions? Nope, but I'm sure I'll have some after my FU.

GTKY: What is one of your big (non- TTC related) fears? The dark, I hate feeling like something could jump out at me.

@SkilledSailor because my insurance only covers 2-3 (there are caveats for having 3 done) IVF cycles in a lifetime, and I have a cap on fertility treatment, so I want to make sure if I am doing it, its worth it.

@lulu1180 I am glad your prolactin went down! As for shampoos, I believe Moroccan Oil is phthalate and paraben free.

@kiwi2628 I'm really sorry. FWIW All of my ER I had less than 5 eggs and they never threatened to cancel them so maybe you can request to go forward anyway. That being said, does your insurance have a cap on the number of cycles that you do? If so you may want to save it for a cycle that you respond better. You don't seem to be responding properly to the protocol they have you on so they will likely try a different approach for your next cycle.

Diagnosis (If you've been): DOR

Cycle/CD: I don't track this

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW/ PUPO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) DE IVF. Our transfer of a perfect beautiful embryo was Saturday!

How are things going? So far so good. I'm taking a 'mental health' day today to help the week go by fast.

Any questions?

GTKY: What is one of your big (non- TTC related) fears? I can't think of anything. Maybe conflict?

@kariann323 Over 20 pounds is really good! Hopefully since you've already developed your healthy habits, the Thanksgiving weight will come right off. I'm sure the RE will understand it's the holidays and you're on progesterone.

@kiwi2628 Oh, there's the kicker. I am so sorry! That is such a tough decision.

@laurad75 So glad to hear things are going well! What will you be doing on your day off?

@kiwi2628 Oh friend, I am so sorry. I hope you are able to leave work and go home to take care of yourself today. *hugs*@SkilledSailor Oh no, I'm sorry about the side effects! Keeping my fx that the clomid works and you don't have to figure things out for next month! @lulu1180 Yay for prolactin levels dropping! I use Avalon Organics brand for shampoo and conditioner, and I really like it. @KariAnn323 Echoing others to say that losing over 20 lbs is awesome! Good for you! @laurad75 So excited for you! When is your beta?

How are things going? Alright. After the failed IUI last cycle, I'm really trying not to be hopeful for this one. I'm also likely going to test at home this time around so that I don't build up so much anticipation before the blood test. If I respond similarly to the drugs this month and have the IUI on cd 13 again, I'll be 14 dpo on Christmas day. Here's hoping we don't have a super-crappy Christmas!

Any questions? Nothing right now.

GTKY: What is one of your big (non- TTC related) fears? It used to be public speaking, but I've largely gotten over that. I am still afraid of the dark though...

@lulu1180 I'm so happy you're back and feeling hopeful. It's totally OK to feel that way!

@KariAnn323 Over 20 pounds is incredible, and like @skilledsailor said, the healthy habits that you've developed are more important than anything, especially during this time of year

@laurad1975 Congrats on being PUPO! When is your beta? Enjoy your mental health day

Diagnosis (If you've been): MFI (0 morph)

Cycle/CD: Don't know/5

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Just trying on our own before jumping into IUI next cycle with new RE

How are things going? Good! I had gone back and forth whether or not to do the IUI this cycle, but between being deathly sick last week, going out of town next week and the holidays I just decided to "relax" this cycle and get back in the game after the holiday

@kiwo2628 I know this has been asked by PPs, but will they try a new protocol next time? And do you have the option to continue if you wanted? And did your insurance have a limit on cycles? I'm so sorry though. Ugly cry all day. I've done it at work, and while I think people are upset with you, it's nice to have those moments alone. Love you girl.

@lulu1180 I hope this mental break was exactly what you needed! Can I ask what your RE wants your prolactin to be at? Mine has been 3 and under since I started the meds. They've cut my dose but I'm still responding well, but they want to see it around 5?

@kariann323 You should be so proud of 20 pounds! Weight loss is not linear. It has its peaks and valleys, but as long as it's a downward trend, you're doing good. When my husband's clients get discouraged about 20-30 pounds, he tells them to find something that weighs as much and carry it around for a bit. It's amazing how much of a difference 20 pounds is. I understand the disappointment of a few pounds back on.. but that sounds like moderation. We gotta live!!

@laurad75 I'm so excited for you that you're finally here! Have a relaxing day off and hopefully the week passes quickly!

@kiwi2628 I'm so sorry to hear this, just devastated for you. I think it is a great decision to go home and take some time for yourself. All of the hugs to you. @SkilledSailor ugh, all of the side effects? that sounds miserable. here's hoping you don't need 6 more months of meds. @lulu1180 that is great news that the levels have stayed down. I hope the new plan helps!@KariAnn323 over 20lbs is amazing progress! you've worked hard.@laurad75 so excited for you! I love that you took a mental health day! @darkstar42 hoping you have the happiest Christmas.@RVAmom315 enjoy the "relaxing" time!

Diagnosis (If you've been): nothing yet

Cycle/CD: 15/6

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) started Clomid last night

How are things going? okay, I'm worried I'm going to get my hopes way up. I'm trying to manage expectations bc I know my DH is very, very hopeful that this will be it.

Any questions? not at the moment

GTKY: What is one of your big (non- TTC related) fears? bees...I know it is irrational and I know we need them. I just don't want to be stung!

Me: mid 30s DH: early 30sTTC 10/2016

"Some days are diamonds, some days are rocks, some doors are open, some roads are blocked"

What are
you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) I AM OFF THE BENCH!!! So
we are legit actually trying this cycle and I’m super excited for it.

How are
things going? Decently well. I got my progesterone biopsy results on Friday
and it turns out I produced progesterone on my own with no problems. So…
apparently there’s nothing wrong with me. Just unexplained RPL. *sigh*

Any
questions? Yes! I have a question. So, we were told we can try naturally
for a few cycles, and if we haven’t gotten PG then to talk to the RE about
doing Clomid. I asked about this, because I understood Clomid to be more for
people who have problems ovulating and not getting PG at all. She said that
mostly yes, but it could also help with better egg quality. So they would put
me on a very small dose of Clomid, and monitor to watch out to avoid multiples…
Since I know many of you have a MUCH greater knowledge of Clomid than I do, I
am really looking for some advice. We are NOT going to do Clomid this cycle
(with the holidays and stress and travel… I just can’t even right now). But I
guess the question is to how many cycles you’d be willing to do naturally vs.
Clomid.
As far as multiples go… twins run in my family naturally and I’d always loved
the idea of having twins. Since it looks like IF we get PG and end up with a
live birth, we will probably end up ‘One and Done’ due to our struggles. So,
having a set of healthy twins sounds like a dream come true at this point.
However, more than 2 can be very, very risky. Also, isn’t it Clomid that has
the lifetime limit of 6 cycles? (Is that even on a very small dose? Does anyone
know?) Also, I’ve heard it has some nasty side effects and since I’m already on
‘happy pills’ and a psycho-wreck, that makes me hesitant. So… pros/cons? How
many cycles would you try naturally before Clomid? Etc? (also, if we do end up PG in the next few
cycles and have a 5th MC, we’ll definitely be on the Clomid route
for our last try).

GTKY: What is one of your big (non- TTC related) fears? Fear of failure.

@kiwi2628 oh girl I am so sorry. That is extremely frustrating, especially since you now have to pay a new deductible. Did your doctor say anything about switching your protocol?@SkilledSailor I had pretty bad side effects on Clomid also and I wouldn’t take it again if you paid me. I hope the side effects go away soon and that you’re able to switch meds if you need another cycle. @lulu1180 I’m glad your levels went down! Not temping is so much less stressful so hopefully that will be good for you. @KariAnn323 over 20 lbs lost is still amazing, as frustrating as it can be to gain it back! I hope your FU goes well. @laurad75 I’m glad your transfer went well! When is your beta?@darkstar42 I hope this IUI works and gives you a wonderful Christmas gift!@RVAmom315 I’m glad you’re taking some time to rest and start anew after the holidays!

Diagnosis (If you've been): secondary IF due to endometriosis

Cycle/CD: 24/4

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) pre-IVF testing

How are things going? I had a hell of a morning. Went to the RE at 7am, had an ultrasound for AFC which ended up looking good—18 follicles on the right and 10 on the left. Talked to the IVF nurse and she said we’ll do my saline sono next Tuesday and after that they’ll discuss what protocol they will use. She did say that since I have a high AFC and AMH (4.3 last time they checked) that they will most likely use a Lupron trigger and do a frozen instead of fresh transfer to make sure I don’t end up with OHSS. Then I had six tubes of blood drawn so that was fun and we had all of the consent forms notarized.

Any questions? Nope

GTKY: What is one of your big (non- TTC related) fears? Aside from losing a family member I would have to say tornadoes. Here in NC they don’t happen often but if they do we don’t have basements so that’s kind of scary.

@kiwi2628 I’m so sorry friend. I agree with what @laurad75 said. If you have no limit maybe you can go through with it any way. Does your RE have any idea why you’re not responding as well especially since your levels are all good? You’re unexplained right? It’s crazy I’m also 30 and my AMH is a 2.08 and I think if I remember right our birthdays are close. Weird to have the similarities! Anyhow I’m so sorry you’re dealing with all this today. All the hugs

@lulu1180 yay I’m so glad to hear your levels are going down and glad to see you back here more! I’ve been using Jason’s shampoo but I’m not a fan and MH says it makes me smell like an old lady so I’m curious to hear suggestions too!

@KariAnn323 wow that’s so great that you lost that weight I know it’s hard when you were hoping for more but you did a great job girl keep it up!!!

@laurad75 yay!!! Fx so unbelievable hard for you! How many do you have on ice again? When is your beta?

Diagnosis (If you've been): unexplained

Cycle/CD: idk 2 and a half years

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): on BCPs

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?)

I’m on BCPs again for my saline sono that’s on Thursday

How are things going?

Okay, I was able to schedule my saline sono with another RE who has successfully got the catheter in for one of my IUIs, my RE will still be managing my case. Praying that all goes well Thursday and she’s able to do it. If not they are having the chief surgeon do a cerci all dilation and hysteroscopy for me which I’m hoping I won’t need but glad there’s a plan just in case. My RE called me on Friday and we discussed everything which I felt much better about and he doesn’t seem offended with my decision. So if all goes well Thursday I will stop my BCPs try on our own one more cycle and then start stimming for our ER the first week in January if I’m not a SS.

Any questions?

For those of you who have/are currently doing IVF how early in advance did you have to order your meds? And about how much did meds cost about? We are 100% out of pocket for IVF and I didn’t want to order the meds too soon in case we were SS but honestly even if we were and I bought the meds a few thousand dollars is much cheaper than the 30K were about to be spending and I would be so thrilled I wouldn’t care about the money. I’m sure my doc thinks it’s senseless for us to try but there’s still hope as we are unexplained and no reAson not to try

@dpjennifer I’m a twin and have raised that concern with my RE he didn’t seem worried since my cycles were monitored. If you get overstimulated they can cancel the cycle but even for those who don’t have twins in the family there is still about a 13% chance of getting KU with twins with clomid. How many cycles have you been trying and are you under 35? Did your RE recommend trying on your own or was that the decision you and YH came to?

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Friday will be my final bloodwork/ultrasound before the FET on the 15th. I'm continuing on with oral Estrace and Lupron until next week. I'm continuing on with my weekly fertility acupuncture.

How are things going? I guess I'm as ready as I can be! I was SO excited when December 1 hit, since it finally felt like everything was just around the corner. I found out that there are three couples in my hiking/running group that are going through ART treatments, so we had a bonding session together. (One of them even goes to my acupuncturist for fertility treatments!) I think we were all excited to learn that we could talk to each other IRL about where we are in the process.

Any questions? Would anyone be opposed to me starting a GTKY "natural" thread? (Listing our favorite natural products, foods, etc.) I know we've had snippets of people sharing here and there, but I'd like more recommendations!

GTKY: What is one of your big (non- TTC related) fears? Great question, since it feels like IF dwarfs everything else! I do fear that I will somehow lose DH in an accident. He really is the most amazing partner and I cannot imagine my life without him!

@kiwi2628 I am so, so sorry to hear that they may cancel your IVF cycle. That is heartbreaking. After all you've been through this past year even getting to this point, this is so unfair. I know that no matter what the doctor says, it's still going to be an awful call. Definitely take time and ugly cry all you need to. @SkilledSailor Yikes! I know my friend who started an IUI cycle was having terrible reactions to the Clomid, so they ended up switching her to another medication. I hope they can do that for you soon!@lulu1180 I started using Natural Organics (lavender) and Honest (Vanilla Orange) for my shower supplies. How funny you just asked about this, since I wrote to see if anyone would mind if I started a full natural GTKY thread, since I know many of us are really trying our best to make these lifestyle changes. @KariAnn323 I've had to try my best not to be super-harsh on myself for gaining some weight through all of this. I try to tell myself that being healthy in general is much more important, but I don't like what the scale says. I know you wanted to hit that 25-pound goal, but 20 pounds is still awesome sauce!@laurad75 I'm glad your transfer went well! I'm crossing everything waiting for your upcoming results.@darkstar42 I'm really nervous about how things are going to go right before Christmas, too. I definitely bought a bunch of HPTs so I can test before the beta, since I would rather know going into it and prepare myself emotionally. I guess we'll have to see how it goes for us.@RVAmom315 I hope the holidays are fantastic for you during your break. @Avrilmai I hope all goes well with the Clomid for you. This hope stuff really gets to me, since I see the realism on these boards every day, but I so want this to work for all of us!@dpjennifer I know the ladies can give far more advice about Clomid than I can, but from what I know, I do think that six cycles is the max. @shortstack930 I ended up doing a Lupron trigger, too. (It went well.) It's amazing how much blood they take and the number of papers they can find for us to sign. It's so exciting that you have so many follies going!@beachbunnyxo123 I really hope all goes well on Thursday and I'm really glad that they got everything straightened out with the doctor situation for you. We ended up getting our meds early, but there was no chance of us being a SS, so... However, I do know that there are shortages of some meds (like our PIO), so I would probably still just order early.

@Avrilmai Good luck with the clomid. Hopefully you are side effect free! And that
it works this cycle of course!

@dpjennifer I am on femara, which is in some ways similar to
clomid, but I am on it to help with better quality eggs, not to make me
ovulate. My AMH is slightly elevated, so
I have a few too many follicles each month. His hope was that the femara would
stimulate more hormone production and therefore make each egg stronger. I have
PCOM, so no clomid for me. It also isn’t effective after several cycles, like
you said.

@shortstack930&nbsp; I’m glad
you have a plan in place. Are you
starting next cycle? I hate the hurry up
and wait that is IF

@beachbunnyxo123 Good to hear that you have a different RE.
Stress is real, and the last thing you need right now is to be stressed out
about an RE you don’t trust to do that procedure doing that procedure, only
adding to the already stressful time. I
don’t know the OOP

@alohakumu I LOVE the idea of a natural thread. I think a lot of us here are into natural
products/remedies, so I am all for it.
Great idea! And I am happy for
you that the time is here for you! Also that you have a group of women IRL to
talk to. There have been so many times
that I am in a city where I know one of you lives and I am always so tempted to
see if anyone wants to meet up.

@kiwi2628 so sorry again @lulu1180 I use dr Bronners body wash all natural and I’m looking into a hair product called Monat, actually I’m meeting with the girl tomorrow to talk about it. It’s an MLM thing but their products are all natural@KariAnn323 20lbs is AMAZING!!@laurad75 SO HAPPY THINGS WENT WELL!!@darkstar42 FX this is your cycle!!@RVAmom315 glad you’re feeling better@SkilledSailor EEWWWW HATE ROACHES!!@Avrilmai GL with the clomid tonight!@dpjennifer YAY for being off the bench@shortstack930 I have an AMH of 4.17 and I’m 37 I wonder if They’ll do the same for me@beachbunnyxo123 So they told me not to place the order till CD1 Bc one of the meds have a 14 day shelf life@AlohaKumu LOVE THAT IDEA

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) 2nd cycle with Femara

How are things going? Same old. After the feedback from you ladies last week, I think I am going to ask my RE to monitor my next cycle with Femara. I am starting to wonder if he thinks that nothing is going to work and we are going to end up with IVF anyway. I will ask him that the next appointment, and if he thinks that's where we are headed I assume we just go for it.

Any questions? Not yet

GTKY: What is one of your big (non- TTC related) fears? Sometimes I get scared when I board a plane that we might crash. And I work in the airline industry and I know how safe flying is.

@dpjennifer - I did 3 cycles with Clomid + IUI (150 mg per cycle). Yes, it's a 6 cycle max from my understanding. I responded well to it. 2-3 follicles per cycle. However, it just didn't work for me for some reason. As far as TI goes, I think one of the problems is it causes issues with CM so you may want to try Pre-seed if you end up taking it. It works for a lot of women but I needed to pull out the FSH big guns!

@kiwi2628 - I am so sorry to hear about your cycle I'm sure you are very frustrated. Hopefully your RE will figure out a good protocol for you to get more follicles next time around.

AFM... DW is going to get her blood drawn for ovarian function in the next week or so, and then assuming the results are good we'll move forward with reciprocal IVF. Syncing up our cycles in January or February for IVF in February or March. Just depends on what the doctor says after the BW results. So yay for a plan!

SkilledSailor Sorry
about the bad reactions. Also, my old crappy city apartment had a cockroach in
it once, and I lost my crap! As a country girl, the occasional mouse can be
dealt with, but a cockroach was WAY beyond the line for me!

@beachbunnyxo123 YAY for scheduling the test with another RE!
I really hope that things go well with that and you can get your results and
figure out a plan from there. Glad they finally decided to work with you on
this. Also, I am 33. I don’t know the
exact number of cycles we’ve been trying, but my first loss was October 2015.
So we’re well over 2 years (although on the bench some of that time for
testing). We seem to get PG fairly easily, but all 4 of my MCs were before we
could see a heartbeat. Nurse said SHE recommended trying on our own for several
cycles, and then Clomid.

Redpuma119 I know
nothing about Femara. Maybe I need to look into if this would be a viable
option? Since we can get PG, but can’t hold it…maybe it would be better for
higher egg quality?

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Just waiting for AF to come for our IVF

How are things going? Well I made my appointment for the surgery to remove the septum this morning it’s scheduled for Jan 8th!! We will be doing our egg retrieval in the next few weeks. Though insurance is being a bitch and looks like I’ll gave to start BCP on CD3 till the ICSI gets approved. Also last Friday was my nurses last day and I’m still waiting to be assigned a new nurse. SO went for his 3rd SA This morning Bc the last one on Thur was unreadable yet they froze it??!? Not sure why they would freeze it if they couldn’t read the morphology or motility so I’m a little confused. Anyone have any idea why?

Any questions? None right now

GTKY: What is one of your big (non- TTC related) fears? I have this reoccurring nightmare that I fall Through a frozen lake and can’t get out but find a straw to breathe through lol i suppose that’s my biggest fear.

@dpjennifer so over two years of trying with no successful pregnancy? And no treatment cycles between testing? I’m surprised she would tell you to keep trying on your own. Have you seen an RE yet or is this nurse from an RE practice?

Thanks all. Beta is
scheduled for Tuesday 12/12 (oh maybe that double number is lucky!) and we have
another 8 on ice. @skilledsailor I went for a walk earlier this morning to run some errands and I
think I’m going to treat myself to a manicure.
@dpjennifer We committed to 3 cycles on clomid.
The 6 time max is not universal and not all physicians feel that it is a
hard and fast rule. It’s more that if
you are not successful within 6 cycles it probably isn’t the right treatment. @shortstack930 You are doing awesome.
That sounds like a great visit.
Sorry you can’t do fresh but that is pretty common.

@RVAmom315 Has your H done his SA with the new RE? If so, were those results better than the summer?

@redpuma119 Constipation, constant nausea, headache for 3.5 days straight, bloating so bad my jeans don't fit, but the most annoying is the loud tinnitus (which probably isn't helping the headache). My RE isn't monitoring us either and I suspect the same thing. Like we all (Me, H, RE) know we're just killing time and going through the steps before IVF.

@avrilmai It's good to be hopeful. I feel like hope is the main thing that keeps us going.

@dpjennifer Our RE was only going to have us on it for six months, but I'm requesting a switch. She said the studies that showed long term side effects were from women who were on it for 12+ months so they stop at 6 months just to be safe.

@shortstack930 How are you feeling about the IVF process today? Yes to your fear! I live in central NC and we have tornado watches a couple times a year. I just don't feel like the hall bath is safe enough.

@beachbunnyxo123 So glad they have a good plan in place for your treatment. It sounds like a good team effort on everyone's part.

@beachbunnyxo123 Yeah, over 2 years with no successful PG. I
was originally sent to a MFM specialist after my 2nd loss by my
OB-GYN. (My OB-GYN continues to be all "I've seen many women with X # of losses go on to have a baby with no problem the next time..." optimism that I just wanna punch in the face) She recommended taking baby aspirin, and finding an RE for testing
after another loss. After my 3rd loss I went to an RE and got a slew
of tests done. Nothing was determined to be wrong, so we were told to basically
either do IVF or try again naturally. After the 4th MC we decided to
go to another RE for a second opinion (first RE was a d*ck). So, we got some
additional testing done (which just concluded). Other than testing positive for
ureaplasma, nothing has come up. Which is why they keep saying to try again on
our own I guess? All they keep saying is
that I need to lose weight. *sigh*
Apparently 20 lbs. overweight is what’s killing my babies… nm those
people on ‘My 600 lb. life...’ It’s super frustrating to not know what is wrong
and to have no suggestions on how to ‘fix’ it. Part of me wants to jump right
into trying something… and part of me is scared of the bad side effects and
whatnot.

@kiwi2628 - Ugh. noooooo. I'm so freaking upset for you. What protocol were you on? Maybe convert this to IUI and make some major adjustments. I know it's not a fix, but you are a fighter and you'll get through the shitstorm.

@SkilledSailor - I had MAJOR side effects of clomid as well, and they lasted SO long.It was HORRIBLE. I had all teh mod swings, plus the pins and needles (which sounds not so bad, but it was debilitating, for me), plus so much fatigue/exhaustion, I couldn't go grocery shopping, or even take a shower- I legitimately had to put a fold up chair in the shower, or I would start to pass out from standing too long. All that to say, I know what you feel and I'm sorry. Some people look at it like "just" a few side effects, but Clomid is HELL. I did it for two cycles and then said eff it.

@lulu1180 - So, for me, not temping has been AMAZING. I haven't temped since before my last IUI, in April. The first few months not temping were hard, because I hated giving up control, but after that it's been AMAZING to not have to wake up and immediately think of TTC. I hope it helps you too.

@darkstar42 - I definitely cringed at that timeline... 14DPO on christmas? Ugh. Here's to hoping it's a GREAT Christmas to remember!!

@dpjennifer - Everyone definitely reacts differently to Clomid. I imagine they will put you are 25 mg, which is waht I was on it... for the same reason, actually. Quality, since we are solely MFI and RPL (caused by MFI). Some pole have minimal side effects. I don't think already being on pills makes a difference, though I'm curious enough that I totally am going to see if there is research on that. As far as twins/etc, I still only had one dominant follicle on clomid on my first, and I only had two on my second, so even if you ovulate more than one egg already, you might not really increase any more. As far as the decsion on how many to do... Ugh. I duno. Tehre are so many factors. Rhetorically: how much money are you willing to invest? Are you willing to move on to IVF if needed, or is IUI the last step for you? how old are you? So much goes into this. I would take it one cycle at a time. See how you react to Clomid the first cycle. One step, don't plan out your whole IF treatment plan just yet. Oh, and yes, lifetime limit should be 6, regardless of limit.

@beachbunny7 - I am cost comparing and about to start ordering now... same thought process as you, even if I am a SS, I'll just donate the meds to someone about to do IVF themselves. Hoping htat I jinx myslef and that if I buy the meds, then surely I won't need them! haha. Oh, I'm due to start IVF ~ Jan 10, so about five weeks early.

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Nothing, just ordering some meds and getting everything aligned.

How are things going? I'm mostly okay. Just holding my breath and praying we get all our funds together. Praying the flights to Alb are cheap... that's the biggest variable in cost!

Any questions? For IVFers, any recommendations on what pharmacy to go to for meds? I am doing comparisons (and talking to people about donations!) right now, but I don't want to miss a good pharmacy, simply because I didn't know!

GTKY: What is one of your big (non- TTC related) fears? I really, really, really hate spiders. I can't even really look at pictures without getting goosebumps.

KristoKekerooni Thanks for the info! Unfortunately this is probably our last 'chance' at a baby. I would be willing to go through IVF and/or adoption for a baby, but DH is more of a "if it happens, it happens" type. So he's been willing to do all the testing and try some medication, but IVF and adoption are out for us. IVF isn't covered by our insurance and I was told IUI wouldn't help me. So if we can't have a successful PG on a medicated cycle, we'll be done.

@KristoKekerooni we used south Miami pharmacy for our meds and loved them. They're customer service is awesome and everything shipped on time and conveniently. They were recommended by my clinic but they were also the cheapest I could find.

Cycle is officially canceled. I talked to my insurance and my doctor. Since we haven't gone through the ER part, this part doesn't count towards my IVF cycle number for insurance, which is nice. My doctor was concerned as to why I didn't respond to the meds, and he suspects this may be part of our 'unexplained' problem. He did say that some poor responders respond to the EPP antagonist protocol, but others respond better to the microdose lupron flare, and internally at their clinic, poor responders typically do better on the MDL flare, so thats what we will try. He wasn't as optimistic as he was originally about numbers- he said he would hope to get 9-10 on a MDL, but there is always a chance I could respond poorly again, in which case if I only get 3-4 eggs next time, he would know we are just poor responders and would go ahead with an ER at that point, but he said since we have the opportunity to stop and reset, he would recommend taking it.

So tonight is Indian food, an eff ton of wine (already started!), chocolate, puppy and husband snuggles and a pregnyl injection. We aren't gonna convert to IUI- more as an emotional thing (I don't think I can emotionally do an IUI in the next few days and honestly, I don't think the IUI is gonna be what gets me KU), just do TI for the next few days and call my doctor when AF comes.

I did post about it on social media and so far I have had a lot of love, and a few people have messaged me about their own challenges, so that has been lovely and sad at the same time.

Thank you everyone for the love. I may go into lurker status for a week or two because I ache, and I would love to stop crying, but I will still be reading about everyone.

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Trying on our own and a WTF appointment this Friday after our last disaster cycle.
How are things going? Feeling so much relief to be WTO again and knowing that we have a chance to try on our own this cycle. I mean we know it’s a very small 1% chance, but it’s a hell of a lot better than zero chance! Also yesterday we finished putting up all our Xmas decorations, DH made amazing meatballs which we just had for dinner tonight, and I love opening our “his n hers” Lindt chocolate advent calendars every night.
But I’m a little worried that as high as I feel right now, if I can’t get the RE on board with some of my ideas for our next cycle then I’m going to be crushed on Friday.
And now we’re sitting in front of the fire, watching days of thunder. Not a bad Monday overall :-)

Any questions?

GTKY: What is one of your big (non- TTC related) fears?
Definitely DH dying. Sometimes I’m a bit irrational about it, for example if his phone hasn’t received a WhatsApp message for several hours and he’s late home I imagine him crushed under a lorry on the motorway. I’ve even been known to check the traffic websites and put the radio on to hear if an accident is reported. So I think that counts as a pretty big fear...

@KristoKekerooni see in spoiler - list of pharmacies - credit goes to a poster on Beat Infertility

@ndz2018 Fx the insurance gets sorted fast and that this SA is ok for testing

@redpuma119 I’m with you on the flying. I used to be fine. But now when I get on a plane I run through every disaster movie in my head. When I board I count the number of steps to my seat and touch each seat with my hand as I pass it between me and the emergency exit. And if it’s behind me I make an excuse to get up once most people have boarded and walk that route and check I’ve memorized which people are in the exit row.

@beachbunnyxo123 Fx for the saline sono going smoothly. I’m pleased you talked to your RE and he’s ok with another doctor doing it. Not for him, but for you, as I could sense last week that not offending him was important to you.

@shortstack930 your AFC is something I can only dream of! I hope the saline sono goes well and you’re good to go!

@avrilmai my DH is the super hopeful one in our TTC relationship too... oh and - I’ve even run across busy roads to try to escape them narrowly avoiding accidents each time. I totally lose all rational thought when I met near them. I can’t sit outside to eat in the summer at all.

@rvamom315 sounds like a smart plan to wait for the IUI, and hey why not have some fun this month ;-)

@darkstar42 I’m with you on the Xmas Testing timeline... but we will be at my parents so can’t even wallow for the day...

@laurad75 so keeping my Fx for you! And I think it’s perfectly ok to take a mental health day for this. Grow little sticky bean grow!

@lulu1180 Love the gif. That is my parents cat and dog! The cat is so the boss! And good to see you easing yourself back in.

@kiwi2628 as per my comment on Nov, hope you find a good solution to a crappy situation. With your insurance could you convert to IUI. That way you take advantage of having met this years deductible but don’t use up one of your IVF cycles and it shouldn’t make too much of a dent into your lifetime Infertility cap.Oh and eat ice cream. This makes all things seem better.

@kiwi2628 I'm so, so sorry that your cycle is canceled. (That's great about the insurance, but it seems it's a small comfort during this time.) I know I needed a break in our cycle when we got the bad news after DH's surgery, so definitely take the time you need to process all of this. I hope 2018 brings much better things for you.

@KristoKekerooni depending on where AF lands I’m scheduled to start stims on about 1/9 so it looks like we will be stim buddies!!! My RE just told me my nurse is leaving so it makes me nervous that we haven’t even discussed meds and you’ve ordered them already! I’ll have to follow up with him Thursday after my saline. Don’t want anything falling through the cracks while a new nurse is transitioning